Not Just Coffee

Scores:

Coffee: 13/20
Whole experience (cafe + coffee): 28/40

Good Friday: In a suburb I truly feel lost in, Paddington to this nerd is one of the final coffee frontiers. Having, on a whir of the moment impulse driven to the end of Oxford I want to start an exploration into the suburbs great and unusual spots.

Paddington in many Sydneysiders minds is associated with coffee however, to many who love the drink, it is more of a memory of a once great place. Paddington’s coffee scene, much like it’s shopping strip is going though dramatic change and while there are still plenty of coffee options, is there quality amongst the quantity?

After a bit of a walk around some back streets (which have some of Sydney’s best pubs) I stopped at Not Just Coffee, found on Perry Lane a tiny road tucked behind Oxford Street. Not Just Coffee is a tricky one to find and easy to walk passed (well there are signs) - just keep your eyes on the look out for a door way on the right.

A bit of an inner city Oasis on this quiet Public Holiday I was one of only three customers in store when I entered. The café from first impressions is very chilled, the kitchen and counter are pushed out of the action down some stairs leaving a courtyard and upper deck space for the perfect morning brunch spot.

Having confirmed with the girls at the counter that a have in coffee were still on, I ordered a flat white and my coffee was quickly on its way.

The coffee on its arrival was presented superbly served in a small white cup with a bit of latte art in the form of a heart on top. Effort in its presentation to me was also made with the spoon on the saucer deliberately placed

As I sat for a while admiring the coffee and the café space, local came and went greeting one another with dogs, iPad and children in hand.   

The coffee blend was interesting, a nice, slightly acidic drink which carried though that smoky cocoa aroma into its tasting flavours. Letting it sit I found the cocoa flavours intensified and a third more fruity flavour which I could not decipher at the time became more evident and completed the drink well. Thinking on it - there was a bit of harshness to the drink, however this is not a negative reflection on the drink, just something a little different.

Overall, There are some really nice touches to this café, the two sorts of sugar presented beakers on each table. The local feel, as café regulars greet one another, the space and friendly staff. The coffee while unlikely to linger in my as one of Sydney’s best, is as the name of the café states not the main act of this café.

If Not Just Coffee is the start of a new coffee movement in Paddo I think there is something to be excited about in future for this once great coffee centre. And if not, Not Just Coffee stands a good alternative to the plethora of standard affairs now littered throughout the suburb streets.

Scores:
1. Coffee score
Style (look and feel): 7/10
Experience (taste and smell): 6/10
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Coffee total: 13/20
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2. Cafe score 
Style (what’s it feel like): Like relaxing in a mates back yard.
Cool?: 6/10
Service: 7/10
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Cafe: 15/20
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Whole experience (coffee + cafe): 28/40

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